“We are nature defending itself,” was one chant which echoed around the streets of the French capital as delegates discussed the landmark proposed
“We are nature defending itself,” was one chant which echoed around the streets of the French capital as delegates discussed the landmark proposed deal at the COP21 meeting.
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The “red line” protest, which defied the current ban on public demonstrations in France, pointed towards what the organisers called the “real perpetrators” of climate change – major fossil fuel companies and their financial backers in La Defense business area.
“I came here today to demonstrate, to demand more climate justice, and also I find the idea of this demonstration interesting. We are trying to illustrate a red line that must not be crossed by states,” explained one demonstrator Romain Mezou.
“I’m here to pray, to meditate, to be here for the planet and for the people who have no voices, for the animals that have no voices,” added a protester called Lauren.
Other campaigners gathered near the Eiffel Tower with the aim of highlighting the plight of populations who they say are at risk from climate change resulting from burning fossil fuels.
Too little too late was another theme among the protesters. Their presence was evidence that whatever the outcome of the proposed deal climate change remains a contentious issue.